When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?

November 11, 2016

If your water heater is showing these signs, it may be time to upgrade to a new one!

A water heater is one of the most important components of your home. Hot water makes much of modern living possible from keeping our clothes clean to providing water for your morning shower. But your water heater won’t last forever, and one day it’s going to need to be replaced. But what are the signs you should be looking for that tell you the water heater is on its last legs?

Age Expectations

Most water heaters have a life expectancy somewhere between 8 and 12 years, depending on how well it has been maintained. If it’s getting up there in age, it might be time to start looking at getting it replaced. There are some other signs that may clue you in as well.

Water Buildup

The most visible sign that your water heater needs replaced is if you notice water buildup or a leak. If this happens, you should cut off power to the unit and immediately call a professional. Leaking water can cause damage to the room the unit is located in.

Sediment in your Water

If you notice what appears to be rust or sediment in your water, this is a sign of what’s called water displacement. This is when sediment sinks to the bottom of the heater causing the tank to overheat and break down the steel. Usually, this can be fixed by having the tank flushed once a year, but after a while the sediment may cause holes to open up in the tank.

The Water Heater Isn’t Working as Well as It Used To

Another common sign that water heaters need to be replaced is simply that your water isn’t heating up as quickly as it used to. The heating element or electric thermostat may not be working properly. You may also be consuming more hot water now than you did when the water heater was first installed – in this case, you should think about replacing your current unit with one with a larger tank!

A RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PLUMBING COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST

Alpha Plumbing is a full-service plumbing and contracting company serving the Baltimore and Annapolis metro area with expertise in all aspects of plumbing. We’re family-owned and operated since 1991 from our office in Pasadena. We offer quality plumbing services at reasonable rates in a timely fashion. Our trucks are equipped with GPS systems to ensure we’re prompt and on time. No job is too large or too small! We maintain a fleet of well-stocked trucks and also own and operate our own backhoes for jobs requiring excavation.

For more information and to get a free no-obligation estimate, you can contact us on our website, send us an e-mail, or give us a call at (410) 255-5998.